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Grace Hotels opens first U.S. property, Vanderbilt Grace, in Newport, Rhode Island

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) on Apr 15th 2011 at 4:30PM

This week, Grace Hotels announced the official acquisition of their first U.S. property, The Vanderbilt Grace.

The Vanderbilt Grace, formerly known as Vanderbilt Hall, was commissioned in 1909 by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt and opened as hotel in 2008 after several years of restoration. The original owner died aboard the ill-fated RMS Lusitania in 1915. Before before its acquisition by Grace Hotels Vanderbilt Hall formed part of a collection of hotels and private clubs owned by British entrepreneur and philanthropist, Peter de Savary.

In recent years, the property has undergone an extensive renovation to restore the hotel to its original Beaux Arts glory. Today, the property features 33 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a cocktail bar and spa and fitness center with indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The building dates from 1909 and has a rich history: it was one of many mansions in the area owned by the Vanderbilt family.

This summer, the hotel is opening Muse by Jonathan Cartwright, a fine dining experience created by celebrated New England chef, Jonathan Cartwright. Chef Cartwright is best known as Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux at Vanderbilt Grace's sister hotel, The White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine.
Guests can expect local favorites, such as New England Clam Chowder alongside classic Cartwright creations including Pan Roast New England Pheasant Breast with Mushroom and Cranberry Puree, Braised Red Cabbage and Madeira Sauce.

The boutique hotel brand, started in 2007, has properties throughout Europe but is just now branching into the states.